Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Practical Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gibber - May 6 - 4:23 am

  Well packaged, well made small SUV. Engine/tranmission is smooth and reasonably powerful, but no rocket. Front seats are OK, but should be angled a bit more for taller drivers. Outstanding rear seats. Good controls, although the gear shift can be in the way sometimes. Nice open cabin. Good handling, nicely weighted steering, easy to maneuver. Reasonably quiet, but road noise intrudes. Mileage ~24 mpg(needs more driving to get a better average)

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  My Odyssey review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Ron Kosto - May 6 - 2:00 am

  There could be more range on the drivers power seat, but other than that I couldnt pleased more its fantastic.

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  I am a Car Guy!! Love the 2012 Honda civic LX A+ - 2012 Honda Civic
  By William - May 5 - 5:37 pm

  First of all i am a car guy and a old school mechanic i worked on many cars the last 20 years.,since i was a teen in the 1990s i own my first car and worked on my 1966 volkwagan classic beetle and turn it into a super bug with a 1915cc 94mm pistons and double carb 45".had 150hp. And drove many cars and my project cars.anyways loved working on cars. classic old school Muscle cars ,from toyota,Honda,ford mustangs,vw, old and new chevy Camaro and other model types big list I was a craftsman, technician who uses tools to build or repair machinery i have many trades within. Some on specialize in the electrical aspects and specialize in the mechanical aspects. i done in the Past. I and my wife bought our Like new 2012 Honda civic Lx with 41K we need a gas saver car. i own many older Honds cars 89civic hatchback and 88"Honds accord over 200 to 300 miles on them and still running and very reliabe cars.I read many blogs on the website on these models i seen them rated poor. i was shock this is not true. the Honda civic Lx 2012 is a beauty i can trust on reliability this is car everyone can trust . gas saver,39 to 41mpg.we took it on a road trip did a 157 mile drove on a flat highway 168 in California Los Banos we when up steep hills and had no problem on speed my wife was not pressing on the accelerator full she press on it and the rpm jumps on 4ooo it the pedal was not to the floor. we were going at 77 which its normal speed for a 1.8 ivtec engine with 140 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque .which will do on any other car with same hp power.ll depends age and engine, carburetor or fuel injection can give the power and transmission type, is highly debated question among car enthusiasts that drive with same hp and different car model.it can handel the hills and transmission shift smooth and the turns Stability control excellent Well-performed. and with the help of Traction control. This 2012 Honda civic Engine & Performance can Handel the highway and back roads very well! I love the 5 Star crash safety test. it has Front and rear head airbags and Dual front side-mounted airbags. its a A+ for our family.And the Interior Features and the Tachometer it was lite bright and easy to read i and my wife love the inside interior simple and easy to use. never had no Eleterical issues. it has everything you need Its no secret that Hondas are arguably the most reliable car. The Honda 2012 civic still perform very well” despite what other said on the website or blog .Honda Civic offers excellent fuel economy and is well-known for being a vehicle that you can trust on the road. all you do is take care of the updated the maintenance requirements it will take care of you. "in my opinion" when I encountered many cars in my past history working on many differnet style vehicles and upgrading them. Honda Civic reliability ratings results is a A+. only con on the 2012 civic is the front Suspension designed by the vehicle manufacturer, springs are and shocks are weak. on the road you can feel the almost every bumps on the road. easy fix replacing them. This Honda is worth it! test drive one you will see . like many people out there they are very picky!There is no such thing as the perfect car. No disrespect intended. But you know how it is. Your car is never quite perfect. Nothing mechanically wrong!Nothing you can ask the garage to fix!

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  Honda CRV rating - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Gaylene reier - May 5 - 2:22 pm

  This is my 3rd CRV. It is my 6th Honda. Reliability us top notch.

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  Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joey Bilbert - May 5 - 7:40 am

  If you want a vehicle that can do it all get the Ridgeline. Four doors, a truck bed with trunk, large interior, 4wd, smooth handling, and good MPG make this a good truck. Ive put 5,000 miles on mine and it has been great. The ride is smoother than any other truck out there. And the power is good, you dont have the grunt power of the V8 trucks, but I have no problems merging. And overall my MPG since Ive had it is about 17.6 MPG and 80% of what I drive is city. I will have this truck for a long time, and if this truck interests you at all you should give it a test drive.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By GaryC - May 5 - 5:47 am

  This model is so much more advanced in every aspect compared to the 2016 CRV. I traded my 2016 in for the 2017 so I really know what Im talking about. The wife and I just love this vehicle!

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  Fun lil sports car - 1990 Honda Prelude
  By HondaPreludeLover - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my share of fun in this car. I fell in love with it when I bought it. Ive had my fair share of "used car maintenances" also, but the Honda engine is strong -- do not underestimate it. For a 13 year old car, its probably the most dependable 10+ year old car I will ever own. I am currently looking forward to a new- er Prelude. I had so much fun with the third generation, that I know I will have a blast with the last (5th) gen. I am disappointed they are no longer making the prelude, but I will enjoy it, and keep my "new baby" as long as I can. For those that also have a prelude, have fun and ENJOY!!!

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  LOVE IT!!!!! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Ariel Post - May 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is off the hook! I love it and the best part is is that it is sooo incredibly healthy for the environment. I feel so good when I drive it because I finally feel like Im not hurting the environment at all.

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  Nine months later... - 2002 Honda S2000
  By FFSkip - May 5 - 2:00 am

  What started out as a weekend/good weather-only vehicle has now developed into "I-gotta-drive-it-every-chance-I- get" kinda car!!! Now, I crave that distinct 6500-9000 VTEC range. Tires go relatively quickly, but these and the car make amateurs like me look like F1 drivers. And if you spend a fair amount of time in VTEC, youll be adding oil. Thats a small price to pay, IMO. Then theres the whole "What- kind-of-car-is-that?" thing that makes you feel even better about your purchase. You will get over some people asking if its a Miata, because some will think its a Boxster. Both are wrong AND you can take both!

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  08 Accord EX-L V-6 Review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By meho1 - May 5 - 1:36 am

  As a former owner of a BMW 325 and and X5 I was skeptical that the new Accord would have much to offer particularly when my wifes 05 and sister-in-laws 07 Accords were to me, fairly boring. I was not overly impressed with the early photos I saw of this vehicle online either. However, once I was in the V6 version (the 4 is a dog) that all changed. It looks sharp, seems much larger than it looks, is quick, and handles like a dream. It is right on par with my old 325. I passed on the nav system as it is no longer a touch screen and is far more difficult to use than last years version. Very solid build. Richer interior than past Accords. Little road noise even with 17 inch wheels.